Overview & Reviews

For 2002, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine receives 30 extra horsepower for a total of 180, which you can couple to a five-speed automatic with Tiptronic -- the 1.8T is now available for both sedans and wagons. In the spring of 2002, the Jetta GLX sedan's optional 12-valve 174-hp VR6 is replaced by a new 24-valve unit providing 200 ponies. A six-speed manual gearbox and the aforementioned five-speed automanual become available with the new VR6. Later on, the GLI sedan will appear -- it includes the new VR6, the six-speed and stability control without all the expensive GLX trimmings and replaces the manual-shift GLX. Other changes include the availability of the 1.9-liter turbodiesel engine for GL and GLS wagons. The base GL trim level is new to the wagon in 2002 -- previously, you had to step right up to the GLS model. A CD player is now standard on all GLS and GLX models, and all-new Volkswagen vehicles come with an improved four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, up from two years/24,000 miles. Volkswagen also offers a fully transferable limited powertrain warranty that covers five years or 60,000 miles. An on/off switch for auto-dimming rearview mirrors, a cruise control indicator light, a trunk escape handle for sedans and a new exterior color (Reflex Silver replaces Silver Arrow) complete the changes.

• Powerful 1.8T and VR6 engines, fuel-efficient TDI powerplant, fun to drive, comfortable ride, rich interior materials, loads of standard features, solid build quality.

• More expensive than most small sedans and wagons.

User Reviews:

Showing 481 through 490 of 494.00

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  Its been alright - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By monkey801 - April 22 - 2:53 pm

  I bought this car 2 years ago because Ive always loved Jettas. Fell in love with it right away, its definitely quicker than most would assume. Bought it with 118,000 miles. Since then Ive had to replace the fuel pump, ignition coils (recall), and the hoses. These cars are expensive to fix! Aside from that its still running strong at 136,000 miles.

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  My very first new car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jessicavafl - April 22 - 2:00 am

  The 1.8T has great pick up and is very sassy. The monsoon sound system is ok, but it could be better. I have however experienced a few problems. First, both of my front power windows broke (of course, one at a time but both on a Saturday night in the rain) which was quite frustrating, which I have come to find out is a common VW problem. Also, I had an electrical problem that drained my battery and put my car in the shop for about 5 day. I also have the tip tronic system which is fun todrive after having to drive a standard for the past three years. Although I have had a few problems, I love my Jetta and feel I made a good choice.

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  I Thought It Was Only My Luck - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BostonNancy - April 21 - 4:06 pm

  I thought it was only my luck when my Jetta broke down within the first few months I purchased it. After all, I did buy it on September 11, 2001. After countless visits to the dealership (for non-routine services), years of frustration and headaches, a few near-death experiences, and tens of thousands in cash, I will finally pay off my Jetta this September. But whats the point now? Ive put so much money and energy into a car that is barely drivable. This is my first and last VW ever! I am just so damn tired having to deal with all the crap this car brings.

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  Stay away from 1.8T - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Adam from Michigan - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the WORST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED!!! Since 900 miles, I have had extremely rough idle on cold startup. Finally, one year 4 service appointments later (including a visit to VW of NA headquarters in MI), they replaced the engine control module and seem to have solved the problem. Additionally, a $24K vehicle should not squeek and rattle as terribly as this, even on Michigans pothole-infested roads! DO NOT BUY ONE OF THESE LEMONS!!!

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  not so fun to push - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NOLONGERAFAN - April 6 - 4:26 am

  I was excited to purchase my third VW. I bought it with 31k on it.. By 70k I was stranded in Boston with a blown engine. VW refused to fix it because it was 5k or so over the powertrain warranty. Sludge problems on them are common yet they have no desire to correct any issue with it. Finally they agreed to give me 1k towards fixing it (which as you know if you own a VW dealeship garage prices are insane .. I was quoted a 6k figure to fix the engine ) in addition to the engine brake lights cont to come on and off, the check engine regardless of anything refuses to go away, and electrical system is poor. Its sad to see that a car that had a solid reputation has decreased in quality so much.

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  never again! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By never again! - March 28 - 10:00 am

  while fun to drive, the jetta has been very dissappointing when it comes to reliability--water pump...fuel pump...ignition switch...indicator switch... seat tracking (3X!)...drivers door window regulator (2X!)...main onboard computer went beserk and locked us out sporadically and spontaneously... had to wait 3 MONTHS for part to repair ignition switch. what would you think?...

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  My 02 1.8T... - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Vocus - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I have had my car for about 14 months now, and managed to put almost 30,000 miles on it. I love the car alot! The power is great, the interior comfort wonderful. What I didnt like was the countless trips to the dealer to fix rattles in the car when I first got it. They shouldnt have been there, VW Q&A should have caught it. VW did treat me very well though, but still it was uncalled for. A couple of improvements I would like to see: A stiffer, more sophisticated suspension to reduce body lean, as well as a roomier rear seat.

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  Check Engine light was on more than off - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tracy - March 8 - 6:13 am

  Worst decision I ever made was buying this cute zippy car. I experienced all the problems others mentioned and then some. Someone wrote these are simple problems? hahaha Never, as the simple problems always cost four hundred or five hundred dollars because the mechanic would have to pull the engine out to handle those "simple problems" like replacing the thermostat. I had no choice but to get rid of it as it was costing me five to fifteen hundred dollars a month to repair whatever would cause the check engine light to go on and it came on every month! Once I paid off the car, service became more expensive than the car payments. I will never never give the German auto industry another dime.

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  Great car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Buzzzz4 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  The 2002 Jetta 1.8 Turbo is an excellent sedan. I love driving it, however it can be a little sluggish when stepping on the pedal. It seems like it takes a second to kick in. Also not a car if you are expecting a child. Not a whole lot of room for a car seat.

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  Worst car (of 8 new) weve ever owned - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Clint_ - February 9 - 2:00 am

  Performance is great. Fit and finish are impeccable. Reliability is deporable. This car has been towed eight times and spent 43 days in the shop for unscheduled maintenance. Clutch failed with same problem four times. We were charged $1000 for a new clutch which failed as I drove away from dealer! Yet they still expected us to pay for it. They only caved in after I promised to dispute credit card charge. After a dozen calls, VWs single response has been to offer $150 of dealer service.